Murdoch protesters clash with police

Lord mayor Robert Doyle has labelled protesters who marred Thursday night's Institute of Public Affairs dinner "pissants" who needed to "get a life".

Mr Doyle's car was swarmed by protesters in fiery scenes outside the dinner, which was held at the National Gallery of Victoria to mark the 70th anniversary of right-wing think-tank the Institute of Public Affairs.

His car was forced to drive away as police tackled the protesters – who were shouting "shame, Doyle, shame" – although it returned some time later so Mr Doyle could attend the dinner.

Protesters trying to stop Robert Doyle's car as it approaches the National Gallery of Victoria on Thursday. Photo: Luis Enrique Ascui

Protesters target Murdoch dinner

He said the protesters should "get a life. Go away. Let us get on with the life of Melbourne".

The protesters surrounded the car, jumped up and down on the bonnet, sat on the roof and kicked the windows with their heels, Mr Doyle said. One opened the car door although Mr Doyle quickly shut it. The tyres were let down, but otherwise there was no lasting damage to the vehicle, he said.

"It was very ugly and it was violent," he said. "I've got nothing but the highest praise for police. They were absolutely magnificent."

He said he phoned Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Ken Lay earlier in the morning to pass on his congratulations.

Mr Doyle said he was unsure what the protest was about, despite some wearing T-shirts with the slogan Eat The Rich.

"I'm not rich but I'd reckon I'd make a meal for a fair few of them. I don't get it. If they were trying to make a point I don't know what it was."

He said Mr Murdoch's speech was "very interesting" and he praised the IPA's contribution to Australian intellectual life over the past 70 years.

Earlier, about 40 protesters forced their way into the venue, delaying the start of the event and forcing some of Australia's corporate elite to wait on the footpath.

Guests attending the dinner ran a gauntlet of the protesters, including a man wearing a cape and a mask depicting Mr Murdoch as the devil.